Boston Bruins Odds - Boston, not Pittsburgh, is the class of the East

The Boston Bruins odds give those sports-spoiled Bostonians yet another team to get excited about. As if the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox weren’t enough – now the Bruins are a powerhouse in hockey betting. Can they take a step forward and contend for the Stanley Cup this year?

Boston Bruins odds: Bruins have tons of size and strength, few weaknesses

• Deep corps of power forwards complements Savard’s playmaking
  
• Chara is one of the game’s great leaders
  
• His game ain’t pretty, but Tim Thomas is a stalwart in goal

Boston Bruins odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Bruins led the Eastern Conference in scoring last season and that was no fluke. They have one of the league’s best combinations of size and skill up front. Marc Savard won’t win any Mr. Congeniality awards any time soon, but he’s a natural playmaker who makes everyone around him better. Even if the Bruins send Phil Kessel packing, Savard will still have a stable of big yet skilled forwards supporting him. Milan Lucic may be the league’s most imposing forechecker; who else could bring Mike Komisarek to his knees? He joins other power forwards like Michael Ryder and blossoming Blake Wheeler in a deep group of talented forwards.

Boston Bruins odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
Reigning Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara has emerged as a true leader and fantastic all-around player, shutting down opposing superstars and knowing when to join the rush. He and Dennis Wideman form a rock-solid top two. The rest of the Boston defenders aren’t flashy or fast, but they’re rugged. The Bruins could use another puck mover and may still acquire one before the season starts.

How good were the Bruins in 2008-09? They ranked second in the NHL in goals while also allowing the fewest in the league. That’s video-game good. With defensively responsible forwards like David Krejci in the lineup, everyone backchecks in Boston. This team is tough to play against.

Boston Bruins odds maker breakdown: GOALTENDING
He doesn’t have first-round-pick pedigree and his style—if you can even call it that—is ugly, but Tim Thomas was the best goaltender in the NHL last season. Thanks to his fiery spirit and remarkable athleticism, he was the backbone of the Bruin defense. It’s hard to imagine him repeating last year’s success; then again, online betting fans doubt him every year and he proves them wrong every year. He’ll probably do it once more.

Boston Bruins odds maker breakdown: SPECIAL TEAMS
Zdeno Chara is a good trigger man and Marc Savard does a good job setting up his wingers, so it’s no surprise that the Bruins’ power play ranked among the league’s best last season. Still, it could use a quarterback—Tomas Kaberle, perhaps? Their penalty kill is as good as it needs to be, though I’d bet at the sportsbook on a tiny regression. P.J. Axelsson was a fixture killing penalties for the last 12 years and the Bruins will miss him more than they expect to.

Boston Bruins odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
Note how many times the word “best” appears in this article. The Bruins are a fantastic all-around team and it’s thus no surprise that they led the Eastern Conference in wins last season. The Big, Bad Bruins are young, strong and here to stay as major Stanley Cup contenders. They’re Pittsburgh’s greatest competition in the East.

For Boston Bruins odds on the Stanley Cup, check out our sportsbook. For more sports betting news and previews, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.

Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.